When a roller-skating fairy godmother, Daleks in drag, a 3D frog and a horse that does celebrity impressions all find themselves sharing the same stage, it can only mean one thing. It’s Alhambra panto time!

And what a cracking show this is. West Yorkshire’s biggest pantomime delighted a packed house from the opening scene – a sparkling winter wonderland – to the spectacular finale.

With stunning sets, beautiful costumes, laughs a-plenty and spectacular 3D effects that had the audience screaming, cowering and leaping from their seats, this was a delightful feelgood show. The technological wizardry added a whole new dimension – literally – to “It’s behind you!” and made this a very 21st century panto, but it also had a traditional feel. The Eastern European-flavoured sets and costumes were like a fairytale book; the female dancers sported Russian-style hats and the boys worked their smart military uniforms.

The action raced along, with Sophie Lawrence’s bright choreography and gorgeous sets switching from a snow-covered woodland to a colourful town square, enchanted forest and Viennese-style ball that was very Strictly Come Dancing.

The show wouldn’t be complete without Billy Pearce and from the moment he arrived, to rapturous applause, in a hot air balloon basket, Bradford’s panto king had us in his palm. The swell of pride and affection he gets from the audience is touching and well deserved.

He’s a terrific entertainer with boundless energy, flawless comic timing and an endearing quality making him a superb Buttons. His sweet, playful and vulnerable take on the role melts your heart.

Billy’s wonderful slapstick routine with talented Jan-Erik was like something from a silent movie. Watch out if you’re near the front!

Another highlight was the Ugly Sisters’ hilarious gym workout. Making their entrance in a Tardis, Trinny and Susannah – alias Jay Worthy and David Beckford – were fabulous dames, with a nice touch of Little Britain. Looking like grotesque Bronte sisters with bouncing ringlets and outlandish bonnets, they got the mix of comedy and villainy just right. Their cruelty to Cinders was chilling – leading one young audience member to scold them out loud. Hayley Tamaddon was a delightful Cinders and Penni Tovey was a gem of a Fairy Godmother. Great performances too from Wayne Perry as hunky Prince Charming and Mathew Noble as amiable Dandini. And well done to the lovely Sunbeams from the Sara Packham Theatre School in Oxenhope.

An unmissable festive family treat.

Runs until February 1.